I've been to a Tin Fish in San Diego and was excited to find one near the beach in Oceanside! Unfortunately, it was a different experience. The food was too bready, dry, and over seasoned with pepper, and definitely overpriced. I would expect it more from a sit-down restaurant with a nice view and quality food, but not from an outdoor spot where you wait in line to order, and then eat greasy fried food at a public park bench. If you're really in the mood for fish and chips, I'd wait and go to the harbor. read more

Took 51 minutes to get a shrimp platter and quesadilla. That's precious beach time spent waiting around! Uber eats instead!

This is my favorite spot in Oceanside to grab a bite. The wait can be long but it's totally worth it. Fish tacos are always amazing and the coleslaw is out of this world! read more

what a ripoff! This place is ridiculously overpriced, and will screw up your order. Paid over $50. for 2 fish dinners, they forgot the tiny coleslaw side, and the fish was terrible. these fake "love reviews' are unfair to strained consumers... they were closed for weeks, it seems that they would be desperate to get right, they are not. I guess they will have to rely on tourist who believe contrived reviews.... read more

Ok. First let me say that I used to be a huge fan of this spot... I live within walking distance and come here a few times a month. Sometimes several visits in a week. But my opinion has permanently changed. Last week I walked down to Tin Fish under the pier and ordered a fish combo and onion rings to go. I left a $3 tip with my order.. Was given my number, 65, and walked around and waited. After about 10 minutes I gym figured my order would be ready soon so I walked up and waited at the window. About three minutes later they called #66 and this couple came up and grabbed the food. They thought it was theirs but something told me it wasn't their order. It was packed to go, and I knew they had ordered to dine there...and they ordered after I did, so I was like.that might be mine..but I held my tongue and watched them open the package and touch the food. Then they realized it wasn't their order and took it back to the window and handed it back to the OWNER, Mike. Mike apologized to the couple, then proceeded to put the food back in a plastic bag and then called my number..... Yes..that's right. He broke the law. The food passed over the counter to the wrong customer, they opened and touched the food, ten took it back to the owner, who then packed it back up right in front of me, then called my number. That violates the health code, and is repulsive that he did not throw the food immediately in the trash and offer to remake my food. When I called him out on it, he said oh it's fine they never touched the food. Sorry mike, it doesn't matter....even though I watched them open and touch the food... The moment the food passes over the window counter to the customer, it is against the law to repackage and re-serve to another customer. That is just gross and worse that he had no shame when I called him on it. And I know him. He knows me. I come here all the time. Or did. Now you lost my business and I will consider reporting you to the county food inspector. Really gross man. read more

Exactly what the pier needs! Although I was overjoyed the mcdonalds closed there, it's been a pity that the building has been vacant for so long... but have no fear! Something wonderful has happened! The former location of McD's has metamorphosized into something beautiful, and after a long wait, Tin Fish has emerged! I was taking a nice walk on the Oceanside Pier, got to the end of the pier, shook my head at the Ruby's Diner, and walked back yearning for better food... and then I smelled a smell that awoke old memories of walking down Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey with every shop trying to convince you to try their clam chowder... and then i snapped back to reality and realized I was still in Oceanside. I had to have some clam chowder- The celery was still crispy, the potatoes were not overcooked and there were plenty of clams. I enjoyed this clam chowder on its own and saw no need to add the oyster crackers. And then I contemplated. I saw people eating the deep fried fish and sandwhiches. I debated for a long time. Daniel, you can't have a second lunch. You are trying to lose weight. You know you're full. Don't do i---- Before I knew it, I was in line and ordered a fish n' chips platter. The fried cod was bursting with juice. Succulent. Wonderful. The fries were fresh and I could still taste the potato in the crisscut fries. THe coleslaw was not a mayonnaise-y mess, but was in a sweet/sour clear liquid that tasted kind of like... this is weird but the pickled jicama that they put in banh mi (vietnamese sandwiches). I know. Weird. But good. All in all, the pier needed this place. Downtown oceanside needs more signs that this is in fact a town by the ocean... not mcdonalds and ruby's. Tin Fish brings the ocean back to Oceanside! read more

No thanks. The following is a short story based on a personal experience; the cliff's notes is as such: customer service and food quality Came here Friday, ordered three meals, even had a conversation with the cashier about which meal was easiest to add sweet potato fries as a side. Waited for about 15 minutes (fair enough, they were busy) and picked up our order--one meal short. We told the man, who responded that we had only ordered two meals. Went back to the cashier, who told us he never heard the third meal be ordered. We asked how long it would take to make the third meal, to which he responded "not too long", but we talked and decided we'd just share the two meals/ nix the third meal. We told the cashier we didn't want it, he said he couldn't do anything because he HAD ALREADY RUNG IT UP AND COULDN'T CHANGE IT. I'm sorry, but really? There's no cancel button on the cash register? He told us we had to pay for it, which we begrudgingly did. Got our food, only to find out that Tin Fish has gone significantly downhill since the last time we visited--half the calamari was just fried breading/ no actual calamari. We used to really love coming here, but this visit has completely changed our minds. An expensive lunch that you finish feeling hungry and upset? That's a whole bucket of nope. read more

Whoa, talk about overpriced crap. Yeah, the Tin Fish is a more known name around here and more welcomed than McDonald's. With that said, for what you get, you pay way more for. The quality of the fish is mediocre at best, the batter is gross. Wouldn't you rather go eat at the harbor? Oh, I forgot to add: The cashier charged my family $700 for a $70 meal. Yeah, she added an extra zero without even looking to confirm how much she entered. Restaurant charged $700 on the spot, but took 3 business days for a refund. Not good, especially when they may not have had that much in the account on that day. They reassured us that it hasn't happened before and gave us flimsy gift certificates and offered free frozen yogurt after about 35 minutes of complaining and waiting. If you like paying $16 for some reheated bread battered fish and stringy fries...well this is the perfect place for you! :D read more

SURPRISINGLY AFFORDABLE... I've been coming to the pier for 2 years now during the summer. I've always seen this "fish place", but I assumed it was expensive. I mean it is literally feet from the waves. I was so wrong! The tacos start at a very wallet friendly $3.50 and they are HUGE! You could actually split one if you are not a big eater. I picked up the FAMOUS cod taco for $3.95 and what a feast it was! There are lots of fish options, Salmon, Mahi Mahi, etc. A salmon taco is $5.50 and literally it would take (3) salmon tacos from a popular fish taco chain to equal one of these. So if you visit the pier, this is a must stop for sure. TIP: The tacos come with shredded cheese and smothered in white sauce and hot sauce. If you haven't been here before, make sure you get toppings on the side so that you can dress it yourself. read more

Some of the best Fish & Chips in Oceanside! Wonderfully seasoned and perfectly fried, flaky and moist inside..this is some of the best deep fried cod I've had. And their various seafood tacos are huge and taste excellent too. Downside..prices are kinda high, lines are often long, cook times are longer, seagulls lurk (and poop) everywhere, and the couple running the place are not that friendly. Still, this is my favorite Oceanside beach eat. Beats that suck ass Ruby's on the pier hands down. For what it is, a fast-food seafood stand on the beach, it gets four stars from me. read more

You can't beat the location! We had the raw oysters and they had great, fresh flavor. The grilled salmon tacos were yummy, and I had the salmon salad special which included a drink for $10.95. Big salad with craisons sliced almonds and mandarine oranges. read more

See all

Under promised over delivered. Convenient to the beach, better fish than most restaurant chains. Fresh to order. Waffle FRIES!!!! My only complaint is the dang birds. Dont leave your food unattended they will steal it. Salmon salad was the BIZNESS, Fish N Shrimp basket was legit. Very lite thin batter and fresh. read more

Bargain! Fried oysters! Fried fish sandwich needs double portion white fish-- made and battered when you order. So fresh and delish! Will return. Wire patio tables there to eat fish items. Condiments unlimited -- hooray! read more

It was really great food and not very busy at all. The service was a good speed, nothing extraordinary but still very pleasing.

We went back (after a 1 year absence). The fish in the fish & chips was very "watery" & not crispy. also, they had waffle fries (yuck)-not real French fries. We won't be back. Also-too many derelicts standing around. read more

Fluffy Bunny is a big fan of all new businesses. Tin Fish fills an empty space that was a pierside McDonald's many bunny-life's ago. This place should thrive during summer months as there really isn't a good chow spot on the beach (unless you burn a few calories and walk to Johnny Manana's or Colimas). The one problem is the somewhat high prices. Five clams for a fish taco? Ten for a fish sandwich? As the Bunny said, the location is great and the whole clan is glad they're here. As Lisa said, folks from the Wyndham can stroll down for an easy, good snack. Just be forewarned that there are many quality places a block or two inland for almost half the cost. I know, you're saying Bunny is comparing carrots and lettuce. Yes, yes. But a dollar is a dollar and the Tin Fish is higher on the dollar/cost continuum (Didn't think Fluffy Bunny knew big words, did you?) I say enjoy it and spend your hard earned clams in O'Side. I hope they succeed splendidly. I'll go from time-to-time, but will continue to relish my local faves. Hop on! read more

A couple of years ago I came to Oceanside with the girlfriend to visit her parents. Great beer and seafood! Well beer I got to go to Stone, Ballast Point, White Labs, and Alesmith. Great now seafood! Nope I routinely got the San Diego County burger tour. Burgers? Yeah burgers every place we went was known for burgers and having Miller on draft. Wow I can't get a burger in Atlanta. Actually I can get a burger in Atlanta! So I became angered and sullen. On our next trip I got to go to Anthony's and another seafood place before the burger tour began. Well this visit we were surprised by the Tin Fish. Thank you Tin Fish for providing fried fish close to the GF's parents. Thank you for being tasty. Thank you for.. just being you. The fish batter is light and tasty. My only gripes are the cocktail sauce served with an eye dropper, the lack of beer, and the damn waffle fries. I like waffle fries if they are crisp and completely done. I do not like mashed taters in the center fries. However a liberal dousing in the house hot sauce kinda fixed it. I had fried oysters which were freakin humongous, and tasty. The GF had a combination plate which I liberally sampled from and I pronounce tasty as well. The parents fish and chips which I assume were a sufficient burger substitute. The place is at the ramp that leads to the pier and the seating is outdoors. A good fish place that is worthy of a visit. read more

4 stars is for location while at the beach and incredible view and ambiance, foods ok (bar type ) but it's super expensive ...for convenience for the beach goers! read more

Tin Fish - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

It has been 6 years since we have visited Oceanside. Well, Tin Fish knows how to keep a great product going! 6 years ago we were surprised at the quality, cooking skill and prices of this hidden gem. On May 4th we were surprised again! My shrimp were cooked to perfection and husband's grill fish was a huge hit, he loved it! Keep it going folks, you are definitely the best fish shack on the beach!!! read more

Tin Fish feels a bit like a tourist trap, and with all the great eateries in Oceanside I wouldn't come out of your way to come here unless you were spending the day on the beach already and wanted some lunch. Portions were small and expensive, although everything was fresh and tasty. The fried oysters were delicious but REALLY small, and you don't get very many in a platter. The fish tacos were huge, and also pretty good; at $4 - $6 a taco, they should be huge! read more

I almost gave the place two stars based on my calamari taco but that might've been a little unfair annnnd the nice kid working the counter gained this place an extra star... Pros: - The guy working at the counter was friendly and his service was good. - The salsa on the taco was fresh and had a little kick. - Portion size was good. Cons: - The calamari was so bland. I don't think they salt and peppered it at all. It was also really soggy, even the pieces that weren't drenched in salsa and "white sauce". - They use flour tortillas. To me, for seafood tacos, you should at least have an option or default to corn. - Overall, the whole thing was under seasoned and sad. - Service was super slow. It looked like there were at least 4 people in the kitchen but felt like they didn't know how to multi-task and might've been making orders one by one. I might give it another try if I was starving on the beach. read more

I was pleasantly surprised with the food. I expected it to be mediocre but the food was excellent! It was so good we went to eat dinner there two nights in a row. I had fish and chips the first night. It was lightly battered and fried perfectly. The fish was light, moist and flaky. Their coleslaw was delicious. It had a lightly sweet dressing and not mayonnaise based like most coleslaws and was super refreshing. The second night I shared the Tin Fish Combo with my picky twin 2 year old eaters and they loved it! The basket included fried shrimp, scallops, calamari and fish. Again, the seafood was fried perfectly and every piece of seafood in the basket was equally delicious. A lot of fried foods can leave your stomach feeling really heavy...not the fried food from this amazing little find. I recommend this little gem to anyone looking for great seafood! read more

Tin Fish Oceanside, the restaurant beneath the pier on The Strand in Oceanside, looks to change the mix of people eating outdoors at this landmark location, just north of the outdoor theater. This is serious dining on the beach not just cholesterol bombs. I don't miss the McDonalds at all and frankly Ruby's Diner is too caloric for my diet, even though we enjoy the walk, the service and the view. The high point of the food at Tin Fish for me, not yet mentioned by other reviewers, is that nearly all of the fresh fish on the menu can be ordered grilled, not deep fried. We had mahi mahi tacos and the tilapia plate. Both came grilled with nice, not-too-vinegary cole slaw on the side. My wife liked her side of waffle cut french fries, included in the cost of her plate. OK, the prices are consistent with their other locations in San Diego, on the high side, but are about the same as the always excellent Pelly's Cafe & Fish Market in Carlsbad -- and with a much better view than that shopping center. Service was fast and we didn't mind sitting at metal picnic tables. We lucked out because the "Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame Orchestra" was playing outside at the theater during our dinner. They are excellent, and even more so for paying THEMSELVES the outrageous $1,000 fee demanded by the City of Oceanside to give a FREE concert. You won't catch the orchestra during your visit to Tin Fish but you might hear some other fine music, check the North County Times before you go. If you need your expresso fix or home made ice cream, usually there are vendors set up in small stands just south of the Tin Fish who pay a percentage to the City for the privilege. Tin Fish also has pretty good milk shakes according to one of our dinner companions but I think these other guys deserve support as well. read more

We wanted something quick and easy and this was the place! It's right on the beach, easy to get to, order and pick up food. We had clam chowder bowl, shrimp tacos, salmon tacos, and chicken tenders. All which was great tasting and well presented. Their fries were very good with great seasoning on it. The clam chowder soup was chunky and full of goodness! The tacos had great seasoning on them as well and we didn't feel like it was cheap greasy fast food, we would def highly recommend this place! read more

A pleasant surprise to walk upon this place! We had walked a fair bit and both of us were peckish! Although I knew the 'fish and chips' wouldn't be as good as the English fish 'n chips we selected 1/2 fish and chips from the menu. The service was pretty quick and the meal was not too bad. Malt vinegar was a nice added touch and made the "chips" enjoyable. For a beach-side eatery it was certainly worth eating there. Don't expect any frills but enjoy the prompt and polite service. read more

Tin Fish is located at the beginning, under the Oceanside Pier. This place has a beautiful view of the ocean and great views of the beach, people and fun that surrounds it all. Their Mahi Mahi tacos are delicious and so is their Clam chowder soup. It's a small establishment, no seating inside, but who wants to sit inside when you are at the beach? I love this spot on the strand. Service is good and the young kids that work here work the walk up order window quick and very well. Orders are then yelled out and you can grab your food a window over. Its a great system, for outdoor beach eating. Often there is live music playing in the open amphitheater next too Tin Fish. But they also play their own background music as well, you just can't beat the location and it gives you a great sense of being on vacation. Prices are very fair, and half the price then the more pricey restaurant "Ruby's" at the end of the pier over the water. I give a thumbs up on this place. I often recommend friends, and out of town visitors to stop here for lunch or dinner when at the beach. read more

Tin Fish - Menu - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

See all

+Tiiiiiiiinn FISH! Rusted! +The 3 1/2 star average is pretty spot on. +Nice location +I had the Tin Fish Combo - fish, shrimp, scallops and clam strips. +The batter was a little thick, but I liked it. +In all honesty, I think the shrimp, scallops and clam strips could have been cooked a minute or two longer. They were okay, but didn't have that snap to them. +Waffle cut fries were great! read more

After reading the reviews, i was so excited to try out a new place in Oceanside. I'm so tired of fast food. The Tin Fish has a very nice selection on the menu. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the service was fine. I'm very happy that Oceanside has something a little different on the water. Now, the exciting part. My parents were visiting, and they PAID. We had 6 in the party, and got 2 orders of fish and chips, a bowl of chowder, 2 cheeseburgers, and 2 kids meals, and 6 sodas. The total was over $90. for lunch. I know, it is on the beach, and I asked for something different....... and I DO love the place. It's just that mosty, I'll have to pack peanut butter sandwiches and chips when I visit the pier, or pick up a Sub sandwich to split. Well, at least until some more out of towners invite me out to eat! I do hope that between tourists and locals, Tin Fish will thrive, because it is a hundred times better than what used to be there. Welcome to O'side, Tin Fish! read more

This place is interesting to me. They have such a huge concoction of random Costco drinks, which turns me off a little bit. I understand wanting to appeal to the customer base, but sometimes too many options is just.. too much. My chicken-loving husband got the chicken tenders. They where pretty thin, but interesting. The coating had an herb mixture in it and was pretty good. The waffle fries were right on point and crispy to perfection. Good location; right under the pier. Lots of options. If you don't know what you're in the mood for, I'm sure you'll find something you like! (a little on the pricey side for to-go) read more

Super yummy!!! The tacos are BIG so if you get the 2 full plate, you may have leftovers;) They must use fresh oil as the fried food doesnt have that old taste that some restaurants use. I recommend if you are in town. read more

I went to Tin Fish for the first time on my lunch break yesterday since I was working in the area. I ordered the "award winning" fish and chips. I haven't met a fish and chips plate that I haven't liked...except this one. The only award I would give them is the most bland breading I've ever had. At least the fish was fresh and the fries were decent, which prevented me from giving them one star. The coleslaw really is like pickled cabbage--too much vinegar for my taste and there was more liquid than cabbage. At least the location is great and the tables were clean. I'd be willing to try Tin Fish again, but certainly won't be ordering the fish and chips. read more

some damn good shrimp tacos & fries, albeit overpriced! nothing much else to say beyond that. beware the lack of seating though, this place is busy read more

Good place right at the pier but soooooooooooooooo slow. waited close to an hour for my food today. food is good but you have to be willing to wait and wait and wait and wait. read more

Best shrimp tacos in Oceanside. Kaboom shrimp is fantastic. The staff were great too. read more

This place was awesome! The fish tacos are absolutely delicious and the portion size is huge! I'm a huge fan of the criss-cut fries and their clam chowder did not disappoint. We had a pretty large group and every one got their food relatively quickly. There was a miscommunication when I placed my order and part of my order was never put in, but after bringing it up to the employee, I was able to skip the line to pay and got my food a few minutes after. My only gripe about my experience here was that the outside seating area had bees everywhere, but I guess that's not really in Tin Fish's control. The location of this spot is great too, right at the base of the pier so you get fire food and enjoy a walk on the pier right after. If you're in the neighborhood, give this place a shot! You will not be disappointed. read more

I read many of the other reviews and I just have to say what is better than fried seafood while watching the amazing Oceanside sunset. I found the service to be very expedient and friendly. We ordered the special which was a sample platter with various fried items Cole slaw and waffle fries. It was $15 for two of us which I thought was a fantastic value. We ride our bikes on the strand every night and had never stopped until this night.... We will definitely be back read more

I wasn't that impressed at all and I'm very disappointed. I had the fish and chips but it wasn't that great but the cole slaw was way better then the fish and chips wtf ??? Then another time I had the crab cakes and it tasted like it was more fish then crab another wtf ??? Also it wasn't cheap at all so okay yeah you get a great view of the ocean but come on man. I most likely won't be back but the cole slaw was very tasty and it wasn't the creamy kind it was a vinegar mix of some type. read more

My wife had the shrimp tacos. They were big, full of ingredients and good tasting, but nothing to write home about. I had the chicken strips and fries. The chicken strips were each about the size of my finger. The fries were kind of soggy and limp. The seating are was nice, its shaded under the pier. They had high tables for two and regular tables for four. Condiments and seasonings are available without having to ask to wait. Its not cheap, that's for sure. There's a decent variety of other food vendors around the pier, especially in the summer months. Tin Fish will need to step it up to compete. read more

I have gotten fish and chips from here in the past and it was pretty good. But this time thought I would try the crab cake platter and all I gotta say is mush. The outside was crisply but all of the inside was just soggy filler. It was the worst crab cake I ever had. And being from Maryland I know a little something about crabs.Please change you recipe dudes. read more

Went back recently with family and ordered a half order of halibut and chips again and it wasn't nearly as tasty as the first time. Fish was a bit dried out and a little too fishy tasting in places. Family I was with ordered oyster Po boys and really liked them, and the sandwiches looked tasty too. read more